Tips to Crack the IAS Exam

IAS Preparation needs a proper routine and a systematic strategy for both the prelims and the main exam. You can get yourself enrolled in any UPSC Coaching Institute in Delhi if you want to.

Preparatory Phases

Split the entire preparatory period into 3 phases.

Phase I (150 days)- Know the IAS exam syllabus and the exam pattern. Gather the NCERT books and other required study materials. Cover at least 80% of the main subjects as well as the optional subjects.

Phase II (120 days)- Thoroughly read the highly recommended books for IAS preparation. Start solving previous year papers and practice writing answers daily.

Phase III (90 days)- Take mock tests. Improve your writing skills. Revise and revise again. This phase is mainly for revision. So make sure you do that properly.

Day-Wise Subject Allotment

• History- 30 days
• Ancient and Medieval History- 10 days
• Modern History- 20 days
• Polity and Governance- 30 days
• Geography- 30 days
• Economy- 30 days
• Environment- 20 days
• Art and culture- 10 days
• General Science- 7 days

Things to be Remember

• Before diving into the preparation, know the syllabus and the exam pattern.
• Be consistent. Even if you don't feel like studying, try to devote 8 hours of your day.
• Pay equal attention to both the main topics and the optional topics.
• Prepare smart and precise notes.
• Remember to follow the questions from previous year papers.
• Revise! Revision is an essential part of your preparation. Make sure you revise all the topics you studied the whole week, at the weekends.
• Stay updated about the outside world. Read the newspaper daily.
• If you are not confident regarding self-preparation, you can opt for enrolling in an

Online IAS Coaching Institute.

Do's and Don'ts

While preparing for the exam, you will need to remember and feel things you will need to avoid. Here's a list of those.

Do's:

• Be Mains ready even before the Prelims.
• Keep short and smart notes on the GS topics prepared. Make sure your notes comprise infographics, figures, flow charts, and mnemonics to help you learn faster, smarter, and better.
• Utilize the weekends as the revision phase.
• Once you have completed your syllabus, start taking mock tests—practice writing answers and essays to improve your writing skills.
• Devote at least 15 mins to newspapers daily to stay updated about current affairs.

Don'ts:

• Do not follow too many books for one subject. Select 1-2 books from the vast heap of recommended books and stick to them till the end.
• Do not make studying monotonous. Study multiple topics a day. Pursue your hobbies. Take breaks, treat yourself, talk to friends, don't be a hermit.
• Do not watch television or use your phone while studying. Try to keep your phone on silent mode or away from you.

Know the Interview Round

The final stage of the IAS exam is the Interview Round or Personality Test. This is a very crucial stage, and it is something beyond academics that they look for. So stay confident and be smart. Candidates are evaluated on aspects like diplomatic and communication skills, reaction to pressure, presence of mind, and more.

Candidates are asked about their likes and dislikes, interests and hobbies, education, and work experience (if any). So get ready to face these questions in the interview round.

Some Pro Tips

• Limit your screen time. Avoid distraction.
• Avoid following multiple books for one subject.
• Make precise and smart notes. Use sticky notes if required.
• Engage in group conversations to share your knowledge and know about others' study patterns and some tips.
• Go through newspapers and magazines every day to stay connected to the outside world and keep yourself updated and prepared for the exam.
• If you are not confident to go for self-preparation, you can opt for an Online IAS Coaching Institute.

Arpit Adlakha is a writer. He is best known for writing Education Blog. He also writes on subjects ranging from personal finance to Technology to Marketing.